Biosupramolecules for nano-devices: Biomineralization of nanoparticles and their applications

Abstract

Utilizing biological pathways for producing components of nano-electronic devices is increasingly attracting researchers' attention. There are many reports of the artificial biomineralization of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs), such as conductive-material/semiconductor NPs, in the hollow cavities of cage-shaped protein supuramolecules. Genetic modification of the outer surfaces of these cages makes it possible to deliver the conjugates, protein shells and NPs to designated positions and align them into higher ordered structures. After the elimination of the protein portions from the bio-conjugates, nanostructures of inorganic NPs can be fabricated. The obtained nanostructures composed of NPs serve as the key component of nano-electronic devices or play an important role in the fabrication of nano-devices. © 2008 The Royal Society of Chemistry.